U.S. Senate candidates agree to 2 debates in fall

STAFF REPORT

The three candidates from Indiana to serve in the United States Senate have agreed to participate in two statewide debates later this year, the Indiana Debate Commission announced.

The commission will host the debates this fall, which will include Republican Mike Braun, incumbent Democrat Joe Donnelly and Libertarian Lucy Brenton. The commission and campaigns are working together to finalize dates and venues. Those decisions will be announced at a later time.

The debates will be broadcast statewide and can be seen via live streaming. It will also be available nationwide on C-SPAN.

“The results from the Indiana U.S. Senate race could determine which party controls the Senate in 2019,” said C-SPAN Political Editor Steve Scully in a press release. “C-SPAN is pleased to partner with the Indiana Debate Commission to bring this important race to a national audience.”

Proposed questions can be submitted through the commission’s website at www.indianadebatecommission.com. Questions submitted regarding topics most pressing in residents’ lives and businesses will be considered.

The commission is working to accommodate voters this fall with venues that will be open to the public.

“This particular race has generated significant interest within Indiana and beyond our borders,” said Commission President Gerry Lanosga in the press release. “We will continue our independent role in producing widely-disseminated, public-focused debates that provide voters with the best opportunity to hear the candidates in an unfiltered setting.”

The commission is open to hosting a third debate this fall if the candidates come to an agreement. During its 10-year history, the commission has had as many as three debates and as few as one in the races for Indiana’s U.S. Senate seats.